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How to Cut Whole Pineapple

I love fresh pineapple, but for a long time I would never buy a whole one – cutting it up seemed too intimidating. After I finally learned how to do it, I realized it’s actually pretty easy. Here’s a quick step by step:

1. The first step to great whole pineapples actually starts a day or two before you want to cut it. After you bring it home, leave it upside down on the counter for at least 24 hours. I normally just prop it up on its leaves. This allows the juices to flow evenly throughout the fruit, otherwise they will pool at the bottom.

2. Begin by cutting off the leaves and base of the pineapple with a large, sharp knife; discard these pieces.

3. Then, slice the exterior shell off in pieces and discard. After I have all of the big pieces removed, I go back and take out any large eyes remaining (slice in at an angle).

4. Slice the pineapple into 1″ thick rings. Then cut the rings into quarters.

5. The last step is to remove the tough core from the cut pieces. Just slice off the middle triangle of each piece, and it’s done!